1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - October 1, 2021 |
|
|
FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
|
|
Annual Charge Conference, October 10 |
|
Our annual Charge Conference will be held on October 10 at 3 pm. It is a virtual event and we will meet in Lenox Hall to watch it virtually together. |
|
We are sorry to announce that Daniel Candia, who leads worship at our 9:15 contemporary service, is stepping aside from this position for the foreseeable future to focus on himself and his family.
This is effective immediately.
We are grateful for Daniel and his leadership, and we pray God’s deepest blessings on him and his family. His heart for Jesus, his passion for God-honoring music, and his faithful leadership will be deeply missed.
The Staff-Parish Relations Team is looking to ensure that we provide the best possible worship music for this service.
|
|
Today Matters, October 16 |
|
Today Matter’s Mental Health Ministries will welcome Jennifer Tracy on October 16 at 4pm.
Jennifer battled suicidal thoughts…
– a tragic family car crash that buried her husband and daughter… forgave the man who killed them…
– a life-threatening brain malformation…
FIND OUT WHAT KEPT HER GOING.
Learn more about Jennifer HERE. |
|
1st Church Family-
David Bellows, our Director of Music Ministries, and his wife Xu Wei are expecting their first child in November! We are celebrating their new arrival with a card shower. We ask that the congregation mail a card to the church office and we will collect them and give them to David and Xu on Sunday, October 24th. If you would like to include a gift card or some other small token of thoughtfulness, we know they would appreciate it. Please send all cards to the church office no later than Thursday, October 21st.
Thank you for helping us celebrate with them for this joyous occasion!
|
|
|
Operation Christmas Child |
|
Mark Your Calendars! Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes will be available beginning Sunday, October 10th. Please pack them and return them to the church on or before Sunday, November 14th. Our shoebox goal this year is 300 with a goal of 100 to be packed during the Packing Party, which will be held Sunday, November 7th at 5:00 pm. Everyone is invited to attend! If you want to do a "Build-A-Box" online (in the comfort of your own home), please go to: Build Your Shoebox Online!
The mission of OCC is to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. It is a Franklin Graham, Samaritan's Purse ministry to "Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ Around the Globe."
|
|
The Endowment Team will accept grant requests during the month of October from individuals or groups. The grants are intended to be a one time supplemental funding for "extras" beyond the regular budget. The original donors (two families in the 1990's) set up an Endowment Fund with a covenant that allows funds to be granted to specific areas of the First United Methodist Church programs. The grants are funded by a portion of the profits earned each year. The core is always maintained to have the fund be perpetually sound. In addition, 10% of it's profits are applied to the core each year. The Endowment Fund tithes too!
Please include a brief description of your program idea/ activity/ or materials you would like the Endowment Team to fund. Include goals, costs, and anticipated impact your plan will make on the participants, our church, and community. Requests must be received in the church office by October 31, 2021. It will be necessary for you to be present at the Endowment team meeting in November to explain your proposal to the team and answer any questions regarding your request. Contact Phil Huddleston (258-4540) philhuddleston@embarqmail.com for details and procedures before you apply.
Recent grants - New Choir Robes, Youth Mission trips supplement, Children's Ministry special activities, UV and air filtration system to protect us from viruses throughout the campus, upgrades to the video system, etc.
What about your legacy to the church and community? Including the Endowment Fund in your estate planning will insure your gifts will live on and touch lives for Christ.
|
|
Surviving the Holidays 2021 |
|
Have you or someone you know experienced the death of a loved one? No matter how long it's been, grief can make the holidays a painful time, but there is hope. Our GriefShare program is once again offering an encouraging seminar to help those dealing with grief survive the holidays and discover new reasons to enjoy them again. We want to encourage you to sign up for this 2 hour seminar today, and join us for the morning or evening session on Wednesday, November 17th at 10 am or 6:30 pm. Seating is limited, so reservations are required. For reservations or information, please call or text Melodie Austin at 941.661.0842 or or you may email her at melharryaustin@yahoo.com. Reservations must be made before Wednesday, November 10th.
|
|
A part-time Nursery Attendant position is available during the hours of
8:30am - 12:30pm every Sunday. View the complete job description HERE.
|
|
|
|
Food Pantry Praise Report |
|
The Friday food pantry served 224 families on Friday, September 10!
|
|
Bountiful Blessings of the Charlotte County Food Pantry is partnering with 1st Church each Friday from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm to distribute food in our parking lot. They currently feed about 200+ families each week and they are excited to be able to use our church parking lot to reach more families. All of the food is provided by the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Please help us spread the word to those that may have a need. |
|
2021 Scholarship Recipients |
|
The members of the Higher Education Scholarship Committee would like to announce the scholarship recipients for the 2021-22 school year.
The recipients are Sydney Browne, Randy Buck, Carlye Mahler, Kylie McQueen, Catalina Mosquera, Jennifer Peters, and Trey Richards.
Congratulations to these seven college students! And, a huge thank-you to the many members of our congregation who donated to the Birthday Box. Your birthday donations helped provide each one of these worthy students with scholarship money towards their college education.
|
|
Halloween Here at 1st Church |
|
As you know, this October 31st our church campus will be the center of attraction for the many Halloween activities in the Punta Gorda Historic District.
There are still several tangible ways you can help:
1st Pray
That the night will be safe for all of our children an families, our volunteers, and the PGPD who will be directing traffic.
2nd Candy
We need to collect an additional 60,000+ pieces to help reach our goal of 80,000+ pieces of candy.
3rd Parking lot attendants needed
Help guide guests to an open parking space while being on the lookout for pedestrians as cars pull on and off our church property. These volunteers can literally be a life saver!
4th Clean-up following the event
We need a team of volunteers to help us immediately following the Trunk or Treat event at 9pm that night to help put away valuable church property that shouldn't be left outdoors overnight. We will need another team the following morning from 9am to about 11am to help dismantle the remainder of the decorations, fencing, and supplies, then help us organize and sort everything back into its proper place around campus.
5th Blankets
We are in need of about 10 more blankets to be donated for our Halloween event. These blankets we will be used as part of our "seating area" for families in the Food Trucks area during our Huge Halloween event. (*Note: These blankets will not be returned but kept for future events and activities with our Children and Youth Ministries).
|
|
Our new prayer challenge is up and running, and there is still time to sign up! We need 40 people to sign up for one hour of prayer weekly to achieve our goal of 40 hours. Of course, additional hours are welcome! Here is the weekly schedule: Mon-Wed-Fri: 8am -- 4pm; Tue-Thur: 1pm -- 9pm
As you see, no overnight stints are required!
We believe God is urging us to pray. The Lord wants us to keep our prayer momentum going with strong efforts for our church, our community, and our country..
Sign up by clicking the button below to reserve your time and be part of this important prayer revolution!
|
|
|
|
The Bargain Boutique is OPEN! |
Donations are welcomed during operating hours, which are currently Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am until 2 pm. For more information on donations or volunteering at the Boutique, please call 239-264-6533. |
|
|
|
Greetings 1st Church family & friends --
Have you noticed the change into fall weather? I think there was a day this past week that wasn't in the 90's! Wonderful!
Please remember that you can again order flowers for the altar. After the 11oclock worship service is finished, we will transfer them into travel vases for you to take home to enjoy. Contact me to place upcoming requests, or if you have questions.
Last week I shared a little about the beginning of my prayer journey. As most of you know, I've had many years of health problems, with multiple surgeries, complications, more medical appointments and procedures than I can count, especially since math was not my favorite subject! I mention this not for pity, even though I do love hugs, but to explain how even a life-altering trauma can become a blessing. I realized soon after my first of three (12 hour) spine reconstruction surgeries that things had gone terribly wrong and my much beloved nursing career was in great jeopardy. But my first huge gift from God was being alive, and meeting our dear friend, Pastor Greg, who taught me how to pray, and prayer has been a major part of my daily life ever since. Pastor Mike has been a great mentor and introduced me to the concept of the dedicated Prayer Room. I want to share my recent experience. A few weeks ago I had the onset of some new and serious neurological symptoms, suggestive of a spinal cord problem. A new medication was prescribed and unfortunately caused a severe reaction. Pastor Bob sent out a request for prayer and boy, did everyone respond! This is such a beautiful blessing! When someone is too ill to pray for themselves, and you surround them with prayer is a huge gift! Thank you! And I want to let you know that the serious symptoms I had developed, have lessened and disappeared; with no new medication or treatment.. you all are such a blessing and God is so good! This shows me that we can accomplish amazing things if we take all our troubles to the Lord. The lord hears us when we call to Him for help. I know! Next week I'll share my experience when I told my doctor about my recent "miracle" recovery.
I'm praying for you!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
|
|
The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
Greetings Everyone,
Fall is a great time to join one of our music ensembles!
The Chancel Choir will resume rehearsals on Thursday, September 30 at 6:30PM in the Sanctuary. This group will be voluntarily masking and socially distanced as we return to choral activities. Please contact David Bellows if you are interested in joining the choir.
The Chancel Ringers have just started back up learning new music and there are still extra bells available to ring. The group rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:30PM in the Life Center. Ability to read music is necessary. Contact David Bellows to learn more about this joining this group.
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music: October 3, 2021 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Invocation – E. Bryson
Opening Hymn: 126 Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above
Offertory: On Eagle’s Wings – M. Hayes; Larry and Kay Keller, Soloists
Closing Hymn: 539 O Spirit Of The Living God
Postlude: Carillon – H. Murrill
|
|
Discipleship Opportunities |
|
View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
|
|
|
Harmony Bible Study Class |
|
The Harmony Bible Study Class meets on Sundays at 10:30 am in Lenox Hall. Our current study is "Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It's Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind" by Louie Giglio. We've all been in circumstances that cause our minds to spin with thoughts that are unproductive, destructive, and harmful. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder why we keep falling into the same thought patterns. We need to recognize these thoughts are not from God, but from an enemy lurking who wants to seize every opportunity to lie his way into our minds. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call Debbie Harrington 941-380-0213. |
|
Discovery Bible Class - Now on ZOOM |
|
We welcome all who would like to participate in the study “Is Genesis History?” We meet on Mondays from 10-11:00 am on ZOOM. At the end of the study, it is hopeful that you will better understand what the first few chapters of the Bible have to do with God’s plan for salvation. The study book can be purchased thru Amazon for $10. You will only need the book, no DVD. Please Contact Cathy Smith at cmsmith8@msn.com so that we have your email you to send you the ZOOM meeting link. If you are new to ZOOM, we can help!
|
|
2021 Bible Reading Schedules |
We want to encourage you to join us as we once again read through the Bible. Reading calendars are available for download and printing on our website, whatis1st.com/bible2021, and hard copies are available in the Life Center. Start your new year off right by committing to read God's Word!
|
|
Worship Service Information |
|
This Sunday: October 3, 2021 |
Message: "Desperately Seeking God"
Pastor Mike Loomis
8:00 am Praise in the Park | 9:15 am Contemporary | 11:00 am Traditional
|
|
|
If you are planning on attending our services please remember the following:
-
Masks are now optional for those that are fully vaccinated.
- Social distancing is still encouraged. Families may sit together, but please leave three seats between you and others not in your family.
-
If you are feverish or not feeling well, we ask that you stay home and join us online on our Facebook and YouTube channels.
At this time, you may only enter the Life Center through the main entrance facing the Fellowship Hall courtyard. All other exterior doors will be locked. We'll see you Sunday!
|
|
Just a reminder of what 1st Church is doing to help you stay safe during the pandemic:
- State of the art air purification systems have been installed in our buildings.
- We strongly encourage social distancing with the rise of cases. This does not include members of your own household.
- Hand sanitizer stations can be found at the entrance to the Life Center.
- Masks are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage you to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable in doing so. Masks are available on the table at the entrance to the Life Center.
-
If you are not feeling well, please stay home and watch our services from the comfort of your home.
- We are still offering the 8:00 Praise in the Park outdoor service (weather permitting) if you are more comfortable in an outdoor setting.
- The 9:15 and 11:00 services are available each Sunday on Facebook and YouTube for your convenience and safety during this pandemic.
|
|
Join us this Sunday at 8 am for Praise in the Park! Open to everyone, this is your opportunity to join us for "in-person" worship as we enjoy God's scenery from the lawn of the beautiful Gilchrist Park Pavilion, weather permitting of course. The rainy season is here! If it is or has been raining, Praise in the Park will relocate to our historic Sanctuary. Time may not always be sufficient to get the word out, so in case of inclement weather, please proceed to the Sanctuary.
Please plan to bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets, and, yes, we will be asking you to practice social distancing. Don't forget to join our "Praise in the Park" group on our Church App! As a reminder, our outside services are always subject to change due to the weather. Please make sure you are connected with us through the app, our email list, or social media to receive our updates concerning schedule changes. See you Sunday for Praise in the Park!
|
|
The Children's Ministry Needs You! |
|
The Children’s Ministry team is extremely thankful for two wonderful volunteers who have answered the ministry need to help teach our elementary Sunday school during the 9:15 worship service on a regular basis!
The ministry team is now only looking for six (6) volunteers for elementary age. The volunteers would only need to commit to teach one Sunday a month on a regular basis. The Orange curriculum is used which includes prepared lesson plans and online video Bible stories to go with the lesson.
Caring adult volunteers are also needed to teach Sunday school to our preschool age children on a consistent and committed basis.
To find out more about volunteering with the Children’s Ministry team, please contact our preschool volunteer, A.J. Rilat (281-910-8594) or our elementary volunteer, Bonnie Fowler (863-604-4074).
|
|
FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
|
|
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
